PSG star out of Brazil World Cup squad?

12 May 2018

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazil right-back Dani Alves was ruled out of the World Cup on Friday after suffering a knee injury playing for French champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian football federation (CBF) said.

According to reports, after further tests by the Brazil national team's doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, it was determined that the former Barcelona star will not recover in time to represent the Selecao at this year's global soccer fiesta.

Despite arguably being the best in the world in the role for the last couple of seasons, Marcelo has only featured in 50.5% of minutes played by the national team as left-back for Tite while Filipe Luis and Alex Sandro have run out for 26.2% and 17.8 % of total action respectively. There's no doubt that whoever they pick, that player won't be able to star on both ends of the field like the PSG man does.

"The technical team of the Brazilian national team feels for the event and wishes Daniel Alves a prompt recovery so that his technique, commitment and leadership are back at the service of the national team as soon as possible".

Brazil great Pele says he is "so sad" to hear Dani Alves will miss the World Cup finals due to injury.

Alves has 107 caps for Brazil and looked set to play a major part for his country once again this summer.

The 2018 RussiaWorld Cup kicks off on June 15, with Brazil's first group game two days later against Switzerland. He has won the Copa America and has twice won the Confederations Cup.